Exa-ctly! U've pointed out the feelings so well! Bc in the fics I've read so far was usually they praise Harry's on his look and like yeah ok it's nice to hear u r pretty but I think that in Harry's case (and tbh in Draco's as well) it's so much deeper much more complex with their past. It's about the feeling that he starts to trusts Draco so much that he'll give himself in and for the first time recieves instead of gives and u've captured it *perfectly* (btw thx for the rec I'll check it <3)
Yes I couldn’t agree more! I mean I can see a few scenarios were, given his trust of Draco, he would take pleasure in Draco praising his looks just because he would love to know how much Draco wants him, and is turned on by him as much as he is by Draco.
But for me the most impactful aspect of praise!kink is how deeply emotional it is. I just think Draco would get as much pleasure out of it as Harry, knowing how much weight his words hold, how much Harry craves his words and approval.
And for me personally it has NOTHING to do with a power dynamic outside the bedroom because I 100% see them as still bickering and being equals in everything and Harry still giving as good as he gets. And it has NOTHING to do with who penetrates who or one of them being weaker physically or emotionally.
Praise Kink for me is about Harry not only finally submitting to someone but letting go of his feelings of worthlessness and accepting that praise . Letting Draco treasure him and care for him emotionally (so often, at least for me, this kink goes perfectly with mild D/s…but I don’t think it has to).
Just yeah…to me there is nothing hotter than a mouthy Draco who tells Harry everything he wants to do to him, likes about him, and Harry’s open heart finally letting someone else know how much he wants to be praised.